Drugs policy | The Guardianhttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/drugspolicy
Latest news and features from theguardian.com, the world's leading liberal voiceen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2015Tue, 03 Mar 2015 23:42:37 GMT2015-03-03T23:42:37Zen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2015The Guardianhttp://assets.guim.co.uk/images/guardian-logo-rss.c45beb1bafa34b347ac333af2e6fe23f.pnghttp://www.theguardian.com
UK should begin decriminalising drugs, say Richard Branson and Nick Clegghttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/mar/03/uk-should-begin-decriminalising-drugs-richard-branson-nick-clegg
<p>Virgin founder and deputy prime minister argue that ‘war on drugs’ has failed and urge UK to follow Portuguese example</p><p>Sir Richard Branson and Nick Clegg are urging the UK to begin decriminalising the use and possession of almost all drugs, following the example of Portugal.</p><p>The Virgin founder and deputy prime minister are to address a conference on fighting drug addiction on Wednesday, and in a Guardian article they argue that the “war on drugs” has failed.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/mar/03/war-on-drugs-british-politicians-nick-clegg-richard-branson">We have been losing the war on drugs for four decades – end it now | Nick Clegg and Richard Branson</a> </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/mar/03/uk-should-begin-decriminalising-drugs-richard-branson-nick-clegg">Continue reading...</a>Drugs policyDrugsUK newsPortugalEuropeWorld newsRichard BransonNick CleggTue, 03 Mar 2015 22:00:09 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/mar/03/uk-should-begin-decriminalising-drugs-richard-branson-nick-cleggPhotograph: Francisco Seco/APA drug dealer poses with cannabis products as he waits for customers in downtown Lisbon.Patrick Wintour, political editor2015-03-03T22:00:09ZWe have been losing the war on drugs for four decades – end it now | Nick Clegg and Richard Bransonhttp://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/mar/03/war-on-drugs-british-politicians-nick-clegg-richard-branson
<p>As other nations have been rethinking their approach and admitting mistakes, British politicians have been too scared to embrace reform</p><p>By any standard, the global war on drugs has been an abject failure. Since the “war” was declared by <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/theguardian/from-the-archive-blog/2011/jul/22/drugs-trade-richard-nixon">President Richard Nixon in 1971</a>, we have spent over &pound;1tn trying to eradicate drugs from our societies. Yet the criminal market continues to grow, driving unimaginable levels of profit for organised crime. We devote vast police, criminal justice and military resources to the problem, including the incarceration of people on a historically unprecedented scale.</p><p>In many parts of the world, drug violence has become endemic. As Mexico’s president, Enrique Pe&ntilde;a Nieto, visits the UK, we should remember the estimated <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/oct/07/mass-grave-mexico-drug-war-killing-children">100,000 people killed in Mexico</a> alone since 2006. Yet tragically, the sum total of enforcement efforts against drug supply over the past 40 years has been zero. Efforts at reducing demand have been similarly fruitless. Here in the UK, <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/oct/05/-sp-drug-use-is-rising-in-the-uk-but-were-not-addicted">a third of adults have taken illegal drugs</a> and the gangs are doing a roaring trade. The problem simply isn’t going away.</p><p>Portugal's reforms have allowed resources to be redirected towards the treatment system</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/mar/03/war-on-drugs-british-politicians-nick-clegg-richard-branson">Continue reading...</a>Drugs policyDrugsDrugs tradeSocietyPoliticsWorld newsUK newsHealthHealth policyPublic services policyTue, 03 Mar 2015 22:00:09 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/mar/03/war-on-drugs-british-politicians-nick-clegg-richard-bransonPhotograph: Stuart Emmerson/Alamy‘The police are stopping and searching half a million people a year for possession of drugs.’Photograph: Stuart Emmerson/Alamy‘The police are stopping and searching half a million people a year for possession of drugs.’Photograph: Raul Arboleda/AFP/Getty Images‘The standard political response is … that if we arrest a few more people, seize a few more shipments, then ‘victory’ remains in our grasp.’ Colombian police officers seize 440 kg of cocaine. Photograph: Raul Arboleda/AFP/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Raul Arboleda/AFP/Getty Images‘The standard political response is … that if we arrest a few more people, seize a few more shipments, then ‘victory’ remains in our grasp.’ Colombian police officers seize 440 kg of cocaine. Photograph: Raul Arboleda/AFP/Getty ImagesNick Clegg and Richard Branson2015-03-03T22:00:09ZStoned rabbits are the anti-marijuana movement's weakest ploy yethttp://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/mar/03/marijuana-stoned-rabbits-utah-weakest-ploy-yet-legal-weed
<p>With mounting research debunking weed myths and extensive public support for medical marijuana, prohibitionists have officially run out of ideas</p><p>There have been many half-baked arguments made in favor of cannabis prohibition, but the one made by a Utah DEA agent in a recent hearing on medical marijuana has to be one of the strangest (and most Steinbeckian): <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2015/03/02/dea-warns-of-stoned-rabbits-if-utah-passes-medical-marijuana/">w</a><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2015/03/02/dea-warns-of-stoned-rabbits-if-utah-passes-medical-marijuana/">hat about the rabbits</a>?</p><p> “I deal in facts. I deal in science,” agent Matt Fairbanks said, as he presented his anecdotal evidence about pothead bunnies while somehow managing to keep a straight face.</p><p>There are 100,000 total marijuana smokers in the US, and most are Negroes, Hispanics, Filipinos and entertainers. Their Satanic music, jazz and swing result from marijuana use. This marijuana causes white women to seek sexual relations with Negroes, entertainers and any others.” </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/mar/03/marijuana-stoned-rabbits-utah-weakest-ploy-yet-legal-weed">Continue reading...</a>CannabisDrugs policyDrugsAnimal welfareAnimalsUtahTue, 03 Mar 2015 20:16:29 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/mar/03/marijuana-stoned-rabbits-utah-weakest-ploy-yet-legal-weedPhotograph: David DeHetre/<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/davedehetre/4949194554">Flickr</a>Bunnies love grass.Photograph: David DeHetre/<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/davedehetre/4949194554">Flickr</a>Bunnies love grass.Ngaio Bealum2015-03-03T20:16:29ZUN drugs body warns US states and Uruguay over cannabis legalisationhttp://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/mar/03/un-drugs-body-warns-us-states-and-uruguay-over-cannabis-legalisation
<p>International Narcotics Control Board report says US and Uruguay are breaking drug treaties and warns of huge rise in abuse of ADHD treatment Ritalin</p><p>The United Nations has renewed its warnings to Uruguay and the US states of Colorado and Washington that their cannabis legalisation policies fail to comply with international drug treaties.</p><p>The <a href="https://www.unis.unvienna.org/unis/en/events/2015/incb_2015.html">annual report</a> from the <a href="https://www.incb.org/">UN’s International Narcotics Control Board</a>, which is responsible for policing the drug treaties, said it would send a high-level mission to Uruguay, which became the <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/11/uruguay-cannabis-marijuana-production-sale-law">first country to legalise the production, distribution, sale and consumption of cannabis for recreational purposes</a>.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/mar/03/un-drugs-body-warns-us-states-and-uruguay-over-cannabis-legalisation">Continue reading...</a>DrugsDrugs policyUruguayWashington DCWashington stateColoradoAmericasAttention deficit hyperactivity disorderSocietyHealthUnited NationsUS domestic policyUS politicsLawCannabisOregonAlaskaTue, 03 Mar 2015 16:08:05 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/mar/03/un-drugs-body-warns-us-states-and-uruguay-over-cannabis-legalisationPhotograph: Ted Warren/APThe owner of a marijuana seed company at CannaCon, a marijuana business trade show in Seattle. Washington state legalised cannabis in 2012.Alan Travis home affairs editor2015-03-03T16:08:05ZUtah hears of danger of dope-crazed rabbits if marijuana legalisedhttp://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/mar/02/utah-dope-crazed-rabbits-marijuana-legalised
<p>DEA agent tells state senate of ‘rabbits that had cultivated a taste for marijuana’ and warns of problems of pesticides, deforestation and erosion</p><p>Legalising medical marijuana in Utah could lead to absent-minded rabbits and other animals who don’t feel their natural instincts, a special agent for the DEA has warned the state.<br /></p><p>In <a href="http://utahlegislature.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=74&amp;clip_id=18619#.VPE143586KY.facebook">testimony last week</a> before the Utah state senate, and first spotted by the <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2015/03/02/dea-warns-of-stoned-rabbits-if-utah-passes-medical-marijuana/">Washington Post</a>, special agent Matt Fairbanks expressed “some severe concerns” about marijuana as a cash crop. “Now I deal in facts. I deal in science,” he said, citing his experience ranging Utah’s mountains as a member of the state’s “marijuana eradication” team to bolster his concerns.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/apr/20/legalize-marijuana-at-the-federal-level">Time to take the high road and legalize marijuana – at the federal level | Nushin Rashidian and Alyson Martin</a> </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/mar/02/utah-dope-crazed-rabbits-marijuana-legalised">Continue reading...</a>UtahUS newsDrugsDrugsDrugs policyMon, 02 Mar 2015 23:19:06 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/mar/02/utah-dope-crazed-rabbits-marijuana-legalisedPhotograph: Supplied‘I was kind of shocked to find out the killer rabbit of Caerbannog from Monty Python and the Holy Grail is actually in the Utah mountains,’ Jeremy Roberts told the Utah senate.Alan Yuhas in Washington2015-03-02T23:19:06ZUK government must vote against the United Nations’ ketamine control plan | Lettershttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/mar/02/uk-government-vote-against-united-nations-ketamine-control-plan
<p>Proposals being brought before the UN to restrict global access to ketamine would leave the two billion people living in the most rural areas of developing countries with no alternative anaesthetic for vital surgeries (<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/feb/27/raver-drug-ketamine-control-plan-at-un-condemned-as-potential-disaster" title="">Ketamine control plan condemned as potential disaster for world’s rural poor</a>, theguardian.com, 27 February). Ketamine is an essential medicine used for anaesthesia. In developing countries it is commonly used in caesarean sections and without it many women enduring difficult labours would die, as they would be deprived of life-saving surgery. While it is not commonly used in the UK, it is used from time to time and would be difficult to replace.</p><p>A wide range of national and international medical organisations have voiced concerns about the proposals, and we are especially concerned by the UK government’s intention to abstain on the UN vote. This, in reality, would amount to a vote in favour of the proposals.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/mar/02/uk-government-vote-against-united-nations-ketamine-control-plan">Continue reading...</a>Drugs policyDrugsDrugs tradeScienceDrugsPoliticsHealthWorld newsUK newsGlobal developmentMon, 02 Mar 2015 20:13:47 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/mar/02/uk-government-vote-against-united-nations-ketamine-control-planPhotograph: /Alamy'Like many important medicines, ketamine is misused by a small proportion of the population in mainly western countries.' Photograph: AlamyPhotograph: /Alamy'Like many important medicines, ketamine is misused by a small proportion of the population in mainly western countries.' Photograph: AlamyGuardian Staff2015-03-02T20:13:47ZThe spread of western disease: 'The poor are dying more and more like the rich'http://www.theguardian.com/global/2015/mar/02/stroke-heart-disease-attack-cancer-developing-countries
<p>For the first time, more people in developing countries die from strokes and heart attacks than infectious diseases, but there are cost effective ways to save lives</p><ul><li><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2015/mar/02/diabetes-india-south-asia-type-2">Death by chocolate: the sugar-fueled diabetes surge in South Asia</a> </li></ul><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2015/jan/21/corporations-abuse-rights-international-law">Corporations have rights. Now we need a global treaty on their responsibilities</a> </p><p>In rich countries, the biggest killers are strokes, heart attacks and cancer, accounting for <a href="http://ihmeuw.org/2zv8">more than two-thirds of all deaths</a>. But for the poorer world, people often assume that infectious diseases like diarrhea, tuberculosis, Aids, malaria, measles and tetanus are the biggest killers. That is no longer true. While they are still substantial threats, broader availability of medication and vaccines along with higher living standards has caused such communicable diseases to drop dramatically to <a href="http://ihmeuw.org/2zv9">below 9 million deaths each year</a>.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/ng-interactive/2015/feb/25/democracy-africa-maps-data-visualisation">Power in Africa: democracy mapped</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2014/nov/05/public-health-campaigns-smoking-ban-regulation">Stopping cancer: don't tell people to quit smoking, ban it</a> </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/global/2015/mar/02/stroke-heart-disease-attack-cancer-developing-countries">Continue reading...</a>Global development professionals networkMedical researchHealth policyHealthPublic services policyEconomic policyHealthcare industryHeart attackCancerCancerAfricaDrugs policyMillennium development goalsMon, 02 Mar 2015 10:17:25 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/global/2015/mar/02/stroke-heart-disease-attack-cancer-developing-countriesPhotograph: Harish Tyagi/EPATobacco, the single biggest source of NCDs will cause 10 million deaths by 2030.Photograph: Harish Tyagi/EPATobacco, the single biggest source of NCDs will cause 10 million deaths by 2030.Bjorn Lomborg2015-03-02T10:17:25ZManchester police will not charge suspects under new drug-drive lawhttp://www.theguardian.com/science/2015/mar/02/greater-manchester-police-drug-drive-law
<p>Forces says delay is temporary until they satisfy themselves that legal and procedural issues involved can withstand legal scrutiny</p><p>One of Britain’s biggest police forces, Greater Manchester, is to delay enforcing new legislation on drug driving when it comes into force.</p><p>Greater Manchester police (GMP) say they will not be charging suspects under the new law, which comes into force on Monday, and makes it illegal to drive with certain levels of illegal and prescription drugs in their bloodstream.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/science/2015/mar/02/greater-manchester-police-drug-drive-law">Continue reading...</a>DrugsDrugsDrugs policyPoliceMotoringCrimeUK newsMon, 02 Mar 2015 06:00:08 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/science/2015/mar/02/greater-manchester-police-drug-drive-lawPhotograph: Eddie Mitchell for the GuardianDrug-drivers are to be tested at the roadside to see if they have taken cannabis or cocaine before getting behind the wheel from 2 March.Photograph: Eddie Mitchell for the GuardianDrug-drivers are to be tested at the roadside to see if they have taken cannabis or cocaine before getting behind the wheel from 2 March.Alan Travis home affairs editor2015-03-02T06:00:08ZWesleyan drug-dealing an open secret despite tougher policy on violationshttp://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/feb/28/wesleyan-overdoses-university-drug-policy
<ul><li>University reportedly has wrestled with how to approach enforcement</li><li>Two people still in hospital after overdoses linked to party drug Molly</li></ul><p>As drug overdoses left two Wesleyan students fighting for their lives, witnesses helped investigators quickly identify the suspects: The drug-dealing was an open secret, according to court documents, even as the university has gotten tougher on drug violations.</p><p>The club-drug overdoses, which sent a total of 12 people to hospitals, are likely to bring more scrutiny to drug policies on college campuses, including Wesleyan’s, which have wrestled with how to approach enforcement and when to involve local police.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/feb/28/wesleyan-overdoses-university-drug-policy">Continue reading...</a>US newsConnecticutDrugs policyDrugsSat, 28 Feb 2015 14:42:26 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/feb/28/wesleyan-overdoses-university-drug-policyPhotograph: Patrick Raycraft/APWesleyan University sophomore and neuroscience major Zachary Kramer is one of four students arrested after a rash of illnesses on campus linked to the party drug Molly.Associated Press in Middletown, Connecticut2015-02-28T14:42:26ZLegal highs and 'love' in Lincolnhttp://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/feb/27/legal-highs-and-love-in-lincoln
<p>The cathedral city has just become the first place in the UK to ban the use of psychoactive substances in public<br></p><p>“I know it’s worse here than any other place I’ve been,” said an anonymous 19-year-old who, even before I heard his story, I thought was older than his face. “I work in retail. Every morning when I open up the shop, I’ll go into the back and there’ll be empty packets of legal highs. Everywhere.” <br /></p><p>On Tuesday night, Lincoln became the first place to <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/feb/24/lincoln-to-ban-public-consumption-of-legal-highs">introduce any UK legislation relating to legal highs</a>. “What’s illegal now is to use them in public,” Lucy Rigby, the prospective Labour candidate explained. “I think we should be going much further. The police say they have people coming to Lincoln just to acquire legal highs. It’s been a problem for a while, but it’s a lot more obvious over the past two years.” <br /></p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/feb/27/legal-highs-and-love-in-lincoln">Continue reading...</a>Drugs policyLocal governmentLocal politicsPoliticsUK newsFri, 27 Feb 2015 20:28:21 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/feb/27/legal-highs-and-love-in-lincolnPhotograph: Chris Winter/GuardianUniversity of Lincoln student Jack.Photograph: Chris Winter/GuardianUniversity of Lincoln student Jack.Photograph: Chris Winter/GuardianUniversity of Lincoln student Robin.Photograph: Chris Winter/GuardianUniversity of Lincoln student Robin.Photograph: Chris Winter/GuardianThe Lincoln shop selling herbal incense visited by Zoe Williams.Photograph: Chris Winter/GuardianThe Lincoln shop selling herbal incense visited by Zoe Williams.Zoe Williams2015-02-27T20:28:21ZKetamine control plan condemned as potential disaster for world's rural poorhttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/feb/27/raver-drug-ketamine-control-plan-at-un-condemned-as-potential-disaster
<p>Repeated Chinese attempts to tighten controls on drug described as ‘David and Goliath struggle’ between poor and rich countries</p><p>A proposal that is about to come before the UN to restrict global access to ketamine, a drug abused in rich countries, would deprive millions of women of lifesaving surgery in poor countries, according to medicines campaigners.</p><p>Ketamine, known to clubbers by a variety of names including ket, Vitamin K and Special K, is one of the most commonly used anaesthetics in the developing world. As it is injectable, it can be used in rural areas where anaesthetic gases are unavailable.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/feb/27/raver-drug-ketamine-control-plan-at-un-condemned-as-potential-disaster">Continue reading...</a>Drugs tradeHealthDrugsDrugs policyClubbingUnited NationsWomenChildbirthCaesareansWorld Health OrganisationHealth & wellbeingLife and stylePregnancySocietyWorld newsFri, 27 Feb 2015 08:00:03 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/feb/27/raver-drug-ketamine-control-plan-at-un-condemned-as-potential-disasterPhotograph: Erik de Castro //ReutersA mother recuperates at a makeshift clinic after typhoon Haiyan hit the Philippines. Ketamine is particularly useful for emergency caesarean sections.Sarah Boseley, health editor2015-02-27T08:00:03ZSpain wants to ban drunk walking. What next for pedestrians?http://www.theguardian.com/cities/2015/feb/25/spain-wants-to-ban-drunk-walking-what-next-for-pedestrians
<p>The Spanish proposal to crack down on dangerous walking by reclassifying pedestrians as ‘users of the road’ is the latest salvo in an old turf war between cars and the people they hit</p><p>Drunk tourists staggering down Spanish streets at night might need to pay more attention this summer. In a crackdown on dangerous walking, Spain’s Directorate General of Traffic plans to introduce <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jan/28/spain-proposal-to-breathalyse-pedestrians">breathalyser tests for pedestrians</a>. They also suggest introducing an off-road speed limit for joggers. The proposals, buried among other road safety suggestions, would give pedestrians responsibilities akin to drivers – and ought to inspire other new laws in their footsteps.</p><p>Might we see other similar laws follow on their heels? Shortsighted people could be charged for leaving the house without their glasses, for instance. Walking and texting (and the associated crime of <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/23/texting-while-walking-safety-risks">“moving like a robot”</a>, as one Australian study described the result) might see you fined. You could get a ticket for wearing any clothing that is eye-catching enough to distract drivers – something Rome already gamely tried to introduce in its aborted 2008 <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/italy/2977111/Rome-mayor-cracks-down-on-skimpy-clothing-distracting-motorists.html?mobile=true">miniskirt ban</a>.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/cities/2015/feb/25/spain-wants-to-ban-drunk-walking-what-next-for-pedestrians">Continue reading...</a>CitiesSpainAlcoholDrugsDrugs policyPoliticsEuropeCyclingWorld newsTransport policyWed, 25 Feb 2015 09:52:42 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/cities/2015/feb/25/spain-wants-to-ban-drunk-walking-what-next-for-pedestriansPhotograph: Kevin Foy/Rex FeaturesPeople strolling along La Rambla in Barcelona.Photograph: Kevin Foy/Rex FeaturesPeople strolling along La Rambla in Barcelona.Photograph: Action Press/Rex FeaturesPedestrians charged with an offence such as jaywalking – or involved in a car accident – could be given a drug or alcohol test under the proposals.Photograph: Action Press/Rex FeaturesPedestrians charged with an offence such as jaywalking – or involved in a car accident – could be given a drug or alcohol test under the proposals.Feargus O'Sullivan2015-02-25T09:52:42ZThe new ganjapreneurs: welcome to Orgeon's hip marijuana dispensarieshttp://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/feb/23/new-ganjapreneurs-oregons-hip-marijuana-dispensaries
<p>In keeping with the rest of the city’s ‘artisanal’ economy, a new dispensary in Portland is not just selling pot – it’s selling an experience. But is the professional veneer enough to convince federal officials of their legitimacy?</p><p>You might expect someone running a pot dispensary to have few reservations about legalising marijuana in Oregon, but Lauren Terry is of two minds. “As a manager, I think this business will probably be fine. As a patient, I worry about new taxes. I worry about growers.” </p><p>Terry knows the business inside out. But like many working at the retail end of the industry, and many patients, she is nervous about how Salem will reconcile the coming world of legalised recreational sales with Oregon’s large, innovative medical marijuana industry. </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/feb/23/new-ganjapreneurs-oregons-hip-marijuana-dispensaries">Continue reading...</a>CannabisDrugsDrugs policyPortlandOregonHealthWashington stateMon, 23 Feb 2015 19:55:12 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/feb/23/new-ganjapreneurs-oregons-hip-marijuana-dispensariesPhotograph: brooklynholdingcompany.comThe Portland dispensary describes itself as a ‘speakeasy’.Photograph: brooklynholdingcompany.comThe Portland dispensary describes itself as a ‘speakeasy’.Photograph: Elaine Thompson/APAn employee trims a marijuana flower at the Pioneer Production and Processing marijuana growing facility in Arlington, Washington.Photograph: Elaine Thompson/APAn employee trims a marijuana flower at the Pioneer Production and Processing marijuana growing facility in Arlington, Washington.Photograph: brooklynholdingcompany.comBrooklyn Holding Company: like something out of a sepia-toned photograph.Photograph: brooklynholdingcompany.comBrooklyn Holding Company: like something out of a sepia-toned photograph.Jason Wilson in Portland2015-02-23T19:55:12Z'Jon Snow's negative experience on skunk is very understandable'http://www.theguardian.com/science/blog/2015/feb/23/jon-snows-on-skunk-the-cannabis-trial-channel-4
<p>The scientist whose research led to Channel 4’s The Cannabis Trial explains the point of the experiment</p><p>“Skunk stole Snow’s soul”, “Just say no, Snow” – these were just some of the headlines this week in response to Jon Snow’s <a href="http://blogs.channel4.com/snowblog/stoned-skunk/25137">blogpost</a> and video recounting his experience of smoking ‘skunk’-type cannabis as part of a scientific study at University College London (UCL) which will be shown in a live TV programme – Drugs Live: Cannabis on Trial – on Channel 4 on March 3.</p><p>We wanted to answer some of the questions raised by people about the trial as well as providing some of the wider context about this study, plus its aims and rationale.<br /></p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/science/blog/2015/feb/23/jon-snows-on-skunk-the-cannabis-trial-channel-4">Continue reading...</a>DrugsMedical researchJon SnowCannabisDrugsDrugs policyMon, 23 Feb 2015 11:33:51 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/science/blog/2015/feb/23/jon-snows-on-skunk-the-cannabis-trial-channel-4Photograph: Richard Ansett/Channel 4/Richard Ansett/Channel 4Photograph: Richard Ansett/Channel 4/Richard Ansett/Channel 4Val Curran2015-02-23T11:33:51ZMatthew Parris and Jon Snow on the skunk? That’s the way to turn kids off drugs | Hadley Freemanhttp://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/feb/18/matthew-parris-jon-snow-cannabis-trial-jennie-bond
Don’t have an MRI scan while stoned out of your skull: that seems to be the one lesson we can safely draw from Channel 4’s Cannabis on Trial<p>Education is fun! Gaining an understanding of how the world around us works is one of the true privileges of being a human being. Ptolemy, Copernicus, Galileo, Isaac Newton, Benjamin Franklin, Einstein – these are just some of the people who carved out the framework through which we view our world.</p><p>And to this illustrious list we can now add <a href="https://twitter.com/thetimes/status/567687407836102656">Matthew Parris louchely reclining on red velvet cushions while wafting a spliff around</a>, like <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PObknmaH9po">Danny in Withnail &amp; I getting ready to expound on the benefits of the Camberwell carrot</a>.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/society/2012/sep/27/drugs-live-the-ecstasy-trial-channel-4-review">Drugs Live: The Ecstasy Trial – the highs and lows</a> </p><p>My God, imagine the Diana conspiracy theories a royal reporter will come up with when she’s on the skunk</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/feb/18/matthew-parris-jon-snow-cannabis-trial-jennie-bond">Continue reading...</a>CannabisJon SnowDrugsSocietyDrugsDrugs policyPoliticsChannel 4ScienceTelevision industryMediaFri, 20 Feb 2015 11:32:05 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/feb/18/matthew-parris-jon-snow-cannabis-trial-jennie-bondPhotograph: /GuardianIllustration by Ellie Foreman-PeckPhotograph: /GuardianIllustration by Ellie Foreman-PeckHadley Freeman2015-02-20T11:32:05ZInside Out: Indigenous imprisonment in Australia - documentary videohttp://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/video/2015/feb/20/inside-out-indigenous-aboriginal-imprisonment-jail-prison-incarceration-video
Filmed on the plains of north-western New South Wales, this documentary looks at one man's fight against the scourge of Indigenous imprisonment in his community. Inside Out tells the story of a pastor and former prison guard, Uncle Isaac Gordon, whose dream is to see the numbers of Aboriginal youths heading to jail slashed. Gordon wants to build a 'healing centre' for troubled Aboriginal young people at risk of jail time, built on his family's ancestral land near the towns of Brewarrina and Walgett. But will government bodies get on board? <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/video/2015/feb/20/inside-out-indigenous-aboriginal-imprisonment-jail-prison-incarceration-video">Continue reading...</a>Indigenous AustraliansCrime - AustraliaDrugs policyAustralia newsWorld newsDocumentaryDocumentaryNew South WalesFri, 20 Feb 2015 00:05:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/video/2015/feb/20/inside-out-indigenous-aboriginal-imprisonment-jail-prison-incarceration-videoBill CodePromo art for Inside Out Photograph: Bill CodeFilm produced and shot by Bill Code, narrated by Belinda Lopez2015-02-20T00:05:00ZThe UK needs common sense about ketamine | David Nutthttp://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/feb/18/ketamine-common-sense-britain-war-on-drugs
Ketamine is a vital medicine, and restricting it has harmed patients without cutting recreational use. Britain should stand up to the UN’s failed ‘war on drugs’<p>Ketamine is a unique anaesthetic and analgesic that has unfortunately become a popular and harmful recreational drug. Last year, in an attempt to reduce recreational use, and on the recommendation of its Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD), the UK government decided to ban all ketamine-like drugs (analogues) and also put <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/feb/12/ketamine-upgraded-class-b-banned-drug" title="">ketamine itself under greater controls</a>.</p><p>These changes were opposed by many scientists who saw the analogue ban as anti-scientific, and by many doctors and vets who feared that the greater controls would reduce ketamine use with consequent increase in patients suffering. Our fears turned out to be true. For example, the Glastonbury festival medical team who use ketamine for emergency anaesthesia (eg for burns) were last year denied supplies.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/feb/18/ketamine-common-sense-britain-war-on-drugs">Continue reading...</a>Drugs policyDrugsScienceDrugsPoliticsUnited NationsWorld newsWed, 18 Feb 2015 11:19:07 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/feb/18/ketamine-common-sense-britain-war-on-drugsPhotograph: AlamyKetamine in its powdered form. 'Now the misuse of ketamine in some other countries could lead to an even more outrageous decision: the banning of ketamine as a medicine world-wide.' Photograph: AlamyPhotograph: AlamyKetamine in its powdered form. 'Now the misuse of ketamine in some other countries could lead to an even more outrageous decision: the banning of ketamine as a medicine world-wide.' Photograph: AlamyPhotograph: AlamyPhotograph: AlamyDavid Nutt2015-02-18T11:19:07ZEric Holder 'confident' Michael Brown shooting inquiry to conclude soonhttp://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/feb/17/eric-holder-michael-brown-shooting-inquiry-conclude-soon
<ul><li>US attorney general says conclusions will be released before he steps down<br></li><li>Also highlights progress in ‘fairer’ approach to drugs trafficking in speech</li></ul><p>In one of his final speeches before leaving office, US attorney general Eric Holder said on Tuesday that he is “confident” the conclusions of the Department of Justice’s investigation into the shooting of unarmed black teenager Michael Brown will be released before he steps down. </p><p>The Justice Department has been considering whether officer Darren Wilson should face federal civil rights charges related to Brown’s death, and if the Ferguson police department has violated community members’ rights. </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/jan/13/white-house-task-force-21st-century-policing-reforms-police-killings">Pressure is on White House policing taskforce to deliver needed reforms</a> </p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/feb/17/eric-holder-michael-brown-shooting-inquiry-conclude-soon">Continue reading...</a>US policingEric HolderUS newsMichael Brown shootingEric GarnerDrugs policyUS supreme courtCapital punishmentTue, 17 Feb 2015 22:38:06 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/feb/17/eric-holder-michael-brown-shooting-inquiry-conclude-soonPhotograph: Mark Wilson/Getty ImagesUS attorney general Eric Holder speaks at the National Press Club in Washington on Wednesday.Amanda Holpuch in Washington2015-02-17T22:38:06ZWarning over legal highs in jails after emergencies at Bristol prisonhttp://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/feb/17/warning-over-legal-highs-in-jails-after-emergencies-at-bristol-prison
<p>Inspectors reveal drug testing at Bristol prison had not detected Spice, a banned synthetic drug connected to hospital admissions involving inmates<br></p><p>Inmates at Bristol prison were admitted to hospital seven times last year over a six-month period in emergencies linked to the banned legal high Spice, prison inspectors have revealed.</p><p>The inspectors say that the mandatory drug testing regime used at Bristol did not detect Spice, a synthetic drug designed to imitate the effects of cannabis, that has become one of the main drugs of choice inside the jail.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/feb/17/warning-over-legal-highs-in-jails-after-emergencies-at-bristol-prison">Continue reading...</a>Prisons and probationDrugsDrugs policyUK newsChris GraylingTue, 17 Feb 2015 00:05:05 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/feb/17/warning-over-legal-highs-in-jails-after-emergencies-at-bristol-prisonPhotograph: Alicia CanterInspectors who reviewed Bristol prison found that the banned legal high Spice was connected to seven emergencies involving inmates over a six month period.Photograph: Alicia CanterInspectors who reviewed Bristol prison found that the banned legal high Spice was connected to seven emergencies involving inmates over a six month period.Alan Travis, home affairs editor, and Hannah Devlin2015-02-17T00:05:05ZPunishment is not the way to tackle obesity | Lettershttp://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/feb/16/punishment-not-way-tackle-obesity-benefits
<p>David Cameron is right that we should do more to stop people becoming obese (<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/feb/14/david-cameron-obese-addicts-accept-help-risk-losing-benefits" title="">David Cameron calls on obese to accept help or risk losing benefits</a>, 14 February). However, given that those with whom he socialises are best motivated by bonuses when their base income is protected, why does he believe that everyone else is motivated by the threat of what they have being taken away?</p><p>Those who abuse substances very frequently have a background of neglect and abuse in childhood. Why did he take away services from the most vulnerable parents, even though this has been demonstrated to reduce significantly the risk of their children developing addiction and criminal behaviour?</p><p>What about fat politicians? Should we strip them of office?</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/feb/16/punishment-not-way-tackle-obesity-benefits">Continue reading...</a>BenefitsObesitySocietyPovertySocial exclusionUK newsAlcoholDrugsDrugs policyPoliticsDavid CameronConservativesMon, 16 Feb 2015 20:06:29 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/feb/16/punishment-not-way-tackle-obesity-benefitsPhotograph: Andrew Fox / Alamy/AlamyAlmost two-thirds – 62% – of people in the UK are overweight or obese, and the rates are similar across income groups. Photograph: Andrew Fox / Alamy/AlamyPhotograph: Andrew Fox / Alamy/AlamyAlmost two-thirds – 62% – of people in the UK are overweight or obese, and the rates are similar across income groups. Photograph: Andrew Fox / Alamy/AlamyGuardian Staff2015-02-16T20:06:29Z